Ivan's Childhood

ivan's childhood is basically my introduction to tarkovsky, as i recall literally nothing from my viewing of stalker. some might assume that because this is his debut film, (apart from his student films 'the steamroller and the violin' and 'the killers'), it might be a little rough around the edges, most likely not too great. but those who assume that would be dead wrong, as ivan's childhood is the work of a director who know exactly the story he wants to tell and knows how to use the tools at his disposal to tell it. the choice to focus the film on wwii is crucial, as this story could not be told in any other setting and presents us with gloomy-yet-beautiful, war-ravaged and desolate landscapes that are as dreary and moody as ivan's mind and outlook on war and life itself. and although the story wasn't absolutely superb, i can still see what tarkovsky was trying to say, but in some parts it dragged and focused on scenes for slightly too long. but the technical aspects of the film are a completely different story, as the camerawork is gritty and eager in the best way possible, the cinematography truly breathtaking and gorgeous to look at, and i can't talk about ivan's childhood without talking about the famous dream sequences, which are stunning, creative and the product of a master in the making. overall, ivan's childhood was a large leap into the lake of tarkovsky, but an enjoyable one no doubt and one that i will likely never forget.